Originally Posted by
button push ignored
If I had my time again and had to start from scratch.
I wouldn't entertain the idea of becoming an airline pilot.
I feel that the whole airline culture, from the top down is rotten to the core.
I have nothing but contempt for the banks and some schools too.
We all know who I'm talking about.
Don't get me wrong, I love aviation. I always have.
I've been in the business for over 40 years.
From apprentice aircraft mechanic to major airline captain.
But the world I grew up in is far removed from today's.
And I think it's getting worse.
What I'd do, is either set my goals lower and be content as a air taxi/charter pilot.
I wouldn't entertain the notion of borrowing 100 Large, ever, under any circumstances.
Get a CPL/IR by all means, as cheaply as possible.
But borrowing money for an airlines MPL? NO!
Or I may work towards being an owner/operator.
This is where the money is.
But starting in your 40s and jumping through all those hoops.
Just for 'the dream'.
No, the dream in reality is a nightmare.
I encourage all of you to spend more time outside the professional pilot training section of this site.
Look into the interview, terms and contracts section too.
Don't stop there, look into the worldwide part as well, and see what people are putting up with.
It's sickening.
Unfortunately I can't disagree with to much of what you say, and I have not been a lifetime within aviation, I have many times been safety pilot for newbies, only to see the same people 12 - 24 months later, being completely exhausted and jaded from the work, and to see them like this at 25, knowing they have still another 40 years left, is a very sad sight.
Have a read at TC's, it seems many here havent, and believe this is the road to great riches and lots of gold, it isn't.